Hiking Safety Tips

Now that school is out for the summer, families will be spending time outdoors enjoying the mountains and lakes of the Golden Corner of South Carolina. If you plan to explore hiking trails this summer, follow these safety tips encourages Oconee County Emergency Services Deputy Chief of Emergency Management and Special Operations Scott Krein. “When hiking, we always want people to remember that it is in wilderness and we can’t always get there fast. Use caution, use appropriate footwear, tell people where to go and especially around the waterfalls, remember rocks that are wet are very slippery. Usually the best view is from a distance, not up on the waterfall, they are not to be climbed, they’re there to be viewed, they’re beautiful.” In addition, when hiking take along a fully charged cell phone, flashlight, jacket, food and water. Tell someone where you are going, who you are with and when you plan to return.